The conference brings together more than 400 students and faculty from Northwest region colleges to present results from research projects they have worked on at their home institutions or elsewhere. About 20 Whitman students will present their research in the disciplines of biology, geology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Faculty members do not present their own research, but the conference provides an opportunity to meet faculty from other institutions and discuss common concerns.

Sessions will be held in various locations on campus, including Cordiner Hall, Sherwood Athletic Center, Reid Campus Center, Maxey Auditorium and Olin Hall.

The Murdock Trust has funded this prestigious conference for the last 20 years, and it moves around from institution to institution. The last time Whitman hosted the conference was in 2002. Doug Juers, Whitman associate professor of physics, is the faculty host and program director.